Geriatric Care Managers: Role & Services

Unlock the benefits of geriatric care managers. Discover their role, services, and how they enhance elderly care for your loved ones.

April 30, 2024

Understanding Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric care managers are health and human services representatives who specialize in issues related to elderly care and safety. They serve as valuable resources for families in caring for their elderly relatives, providing expert guidance and support throughout the caregiving journey. These professionals have education and experience in fields such as gerontology, nursing, psychology, and social work, making them well-equipped to address the unique needs of older adults.

Role of Geriatric Care Managers

The role of geriatric care managers is multifaceted and comprehensive. They serve as advocates and facilitators, assisting families in navigating the complexities of elder care. Some of their key responsibilities include:

Identifying problems and service needs through care plan assessments.
Researching and monitoring in-home care services to ensure quality and appropriateness.
Providing counseling, crisis intervention, and consumer education.
Acting as liaisons for families providing long-distance care.
Assisting with transitions to care facilities.

Geriatric care managers act as a central point of contact, coordinating and overseeing various aspects of care to ensure the well-being of older adults. They work closely with families, healthcare professionals, and other service providers to create personalized care plans and navigate challenges that may arise.

Qualifications of Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric care managers typically possess advanced degrees in social work, gerontology, or nursing. These educational backgrounds provide them with a solid foundation in understanding the physical, emotional, and social aspects of aging. Additionally, many geriatric care managers obtain the appropriate license within their specific field, ensuring that they meet the required professional standards.

To maintain high standards of practice and ethical guidelines, geriatric care managers may join professional organizations such as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. These associations provide ongoing education, training, and support to their members, ensuring that care managers stay up to date with best practices and industry advancements.

The qualifications and expertise of geriatric care managers make them valuable partners in the care of older adults. Their specialized knowledge and experience enable them to guide families through the complexities of elder care, ensuring the highest level of support and quality of life for older adults and their loved ones.

Services Provided by Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric care managers play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of older adults. They offer a range of services to ensure the best possible care and quality of life for their clients. In this section, we will explore three key services provided by geriatric care managers: assessment and care planning, coordination of services, and advocacy and support.

Assessment and Care Planning

One of the primary responsibilities of geriatric care managers is to conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of their clients. These assessments provide a holistic understanding of the individual's overall well-being and help identify areas that require attention and support [2].

Based on the assessment, geriatric care managers develop personalized care plans that outline the specific actions and interventions needed to address the unique needs of their clients. These care plans may involve medical appointments, in-home care, transportation services, and other necessary resources. The care plans are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they continue to meet the evolving needs of the older adult.

Coordination of Services

Geriatric care managers serve as a central point of contact and coordination for various services required by older adults. They work closely with healthcare professionals, therapists, and other providers to ensure that all aspects of the individual's care are well-coordinated.

This coordination includes arranging medical appointments, coordinating in-home care services, organizing transportation to and from appointments, and managing communication between different providers. By streamlining these services, geriatric care managers help alleviate the burden on family caregivers and ensure that their loved ones receive the necessary support and care.

Advocacy and Support

Geriatric care managers act as advocates for their clients, ensuring that their needs and preferences are respected and met. They provide a neutral perspective and serve as decision-makers in challenging situations, where family caregivers may struggle with deeply personal choices [2].

In addition to advocacy, geriatric care managers provide invaluable support to family caregivers. They offer guidance, education, and emotional support to help navigate the complexities of caring for older loved ones. This support helps alleviate stress and uncertainty, empowering family caregivers to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care [2].

By providing assessment and care planning, coordination of services, and advocacy and support, geriatric care managers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of older adults. They help navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, provide professional guidance, and alleviate the burden on family caregivers. With their expertise and dedicated support, geriatric care managers contribute to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families.

Benefits of Hiring a Geriatric Care Manager

When it comes to caring for older adults, hiring a geriatric care manager can provide numerous benefits for both the seniors themselves and their family caregivers. These professionals offer invaluable support and expertise in navigating the complexities of elderly care. Let's explore some of the key benefits of hiring a geriatric care manager.

Family Caregiver Assistance

Geriatric care managers play a crucial role in providing assistance to family caregivers who may feel overwhelmed or unsure about the best course of action. They offer guidance, education, and emotional support to help family caregivers navigate the challenges and complexities of caring for their older loved ones [2]. By offering their expertise and knowledge, geriatric care managers can alleviate the burden on family members, ensuring that care management is well-organized and under control. This support can be especially beneficial for family caregivers who live far away from their loved ones and need external assistance in managing their aging care.

Reduced Stress Levels

Caring for an older adult can bring about significant stress and emotional strain for family caregivers. Hiring a geriatric care manager can help reduce stress levels by ensuring that geriatric care management is handled professionally and efficiently. Geriatric care managers act as advocates for their clients, ensuring that their needs and preferences are respected and met. They serve as neutral decision-makers in challenging situations where family caregivers may struggle with deeply personal choices. By taking on various responsibilities and coordinating services, geriatric care managers allow family caregivers to focus on their relationship with their loved ones and alleviate the burden of managing the intricate details of care.

Enhanced Quality of Life

One of the primary goals of geriatric care managers is to enhance the quality of life for older adults. These professionals can assist in identifying community resources, creating care plans, coordinating services, and providing support to older adults and their families. Geriatric care managers are highly trained registered nurses or social workers with a deep understanding of the aging process and seniors' unique needs. With their expertise, they can address the root causes of challenges, ensure safety and comfort at home, and help seniors make informed decisions about their care. By proactively managing healthcare and planning for future needs, geriatric care managers foster independence and help seniors age on their own terms.

Hiring a geriatric care manager can provide invaluable support, reduce stress, and enhance the overall well-being of both older adults and their family caregivers. With their knowledge and expertise, geriatric care managers serve as advocates, guides, and resources, ensuring that seniors receive the best possible care and support throughout the aging process.

Cost and Accessibility of Geriatric Care Managers

When considering the services of a geriatric care manager, it's important to understand the cost and accessibility factors involved. Let's explore the pricing and payment options, as well as the availability and resources related to geriatric care managers.

Pricing and Payment Options

Geriatric care managers typically charge hourly fees for their services, which can vary based on factors such as location and experience. Hourly fees typically range from $50 to $200 [1]. However, it's essential to note that the initial assessment cost can vary significantly by region, ranging from $800 to $2,000. Ongoing services may be billed at hourly rates ranging from $90 to $250.

It's important to be aware that Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance policies do not cover the costs of geriatric care management services. However, some employee assistance programs may cover a portion of the fees. Generally, payment for geriatric care management services is made out of pocket by clients. In certain cases, reduced-cost services may be available through non-profit organizations or governmental agencies.

Availability and Resources

Finding a geriatric care manager can be facilitated through various avenues. Seeking recommendations from doctors or healthcare providers is a valuable starting point. Additionally, contacting the Aging Life Care Association or reaching out to support groups for diseases related to aging can provide useful information on available geriatric care managers.

Geriatric care managers do not have state-level license requirements. However, many professionals in this field maintain certifications in their original field, such as nursing or social work. Certification programs offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) and the National Academy of Certified Case Managers (NACCM) require specialized degrees, experience, and successful completion of an examination.

While geriatric care managers provide valuable support in navigating the complexities of elderly care, it's important to consider the associated costs and availability of these services. By understanding the pricing and payment options, as well as the resources available for locating geriatric care managers, individuals and families can make informed decisions when seeking external support in managing the care of their loved ones.

Training and Certification for Senior Care Providers

To ensure the well-being and safety of elderly individuals, senior care providers often undergo specific training and certification programs. These programs equip caregivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care. Three common certifications for senior care providers include Basic Caregiver Certification, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training, and Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification.

Basic Caregiver Certification

Basic caregiver certification programs focus on teaching individuals how to assist in activities of daily living (ADLs), handle emergencies, and navigate caregiver-family relationships. These programs provide a foundation of essential caregiving skills and typically range in cost from $50 to $100, depending on the program chosen. The duration of these certification programs can vary, but they often cover topics such as personal care, communication, and safety precautions [7].

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training is a comprehensive program that provides valuable nurse aid-related knowledge and skills. CNAs play a crucial role in various healthcare settings, including senior care. The training program covers topics such as basic medical care, patient care, infection control, and communication skills. The cost of CNA training programs can range from $600 to $2,000 on average, depending on location, institution, and curriculum [7].

Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification

Home Health Aide (HHA) certification is beneficial for caregivers who provide in-home care to elderly individuals. This certification program teaches basic medical care, patient care, emergency response, and patient support in the home setting. HHA training equips caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist with ADLs, monitor vital signs, and provide companionship. The cost of a full Home Health Aide certificate program can range from $50 for individual classes to up to $800, depending on the program and institution [7].

By obtaining these certifications, senior care providers gain the necessary expertise to provide quality care to elderly individuals. The specific certification needed will depend on the level of care required and the preferences of the caregiver and care recipient. It's important for caregivers to choose the training and certification programs that align with their career goals and the needs of the seniors they will be assisting.

In addition to these certifications, caregivers may also consider pursuing specialized training in memory care. This training equips caregivers with the skills to work with individuals who have dementia, providing them with strategies for managing memory decline, language issues, and other challenges that may arise. Memory care training programs are offered by various organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, and the cost can vary. For example, Alzheimer's Association trainings may cost around $60, while the Dementia Care Education program could cost around $199.

By investing in training and certification programs, senior care providers can enhance their skills, improve the quality of care they provide, and ensure the safety and well-being of the elderly individuals they serve.

The Impact of Memory Care Training

When it comes to caring for elderly individuals, particularly those with memory-related conditions such as dementia, memory care training plays a vital role in ensuring quality care and support. Memory care training equips caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with patients suffering from dementia and other memory-related challenges. This training focuses on managing memory decline, language issues, and other faculties that interfere with daily life.

Dementia Care Education

Dementia care education is a crucial component of memory care training. It provides caregivers with a comprehensive understanding of the different types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. This education covers the progression of these conditions, common symptoms, and strategies for managing behavioral changes. Caregivers learn techniques to enhance communication, engage patients in meaningful activities, and create a safe and supportive environment.

Memory Care Skill Development

Memory care training also emphasizes the development of practical skills needed to effectively care for individuals with memory-related conditions. Caregivers learn techniques for assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, while considering the unique challenges faced by those with memory impairments. They are trained in techniques to manage challenging behaviors, promote independence, and provide emotional support to both patients and their families.

Alzheimer's Association Trainings

The Alzheimer's Association offers specific trainings that focus on understanding and caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. These trainings provide in-depth knowledge about the disease, its stages, and associated symptoms. Caregivers learn about effective communication strategies, techniques for managing difficult behaviors, and creating a dementia-friendly environment. The cost for Alzheimer's Association trainings can range from $60 for specific programs.

Memory care training equips caregivers with the necessary tools to provide compassionate and specialized care for individuals with memory-related conditions. By enhancing their knowledge and skills, caregivers can make a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of their elderly clients. It is crucial to invest in ongoing education and training to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in memory care, ensuring the best possible care for those in need.